NEW Zealand’s advocacy and resource hub Wool Impact and Campaign for Wool NZ have formally merged to form the New Zealand Wool Collective.

A media statement this week said the new sector organisation will be focused on growing the value of New Zealand wool and is consulting to develop a funding model.

NZWC chief executive Ross McIsaac said the merger builds on two years of partnership between the organisations, aligning their work, expertise and resources.

“New Zealand wool has value that isn’t being fully realised, and capturing more of that for wool growers will require collective e ort alongside the work of individual businesses.

“A number of wool organisations and businesses are doing valuable work to support the sector, and that’s helped to create a strong foundation,” he said.

The NZWC statement said many in the sector have said the lack of one focused wool sector organisation and voice has been a frustration and this merger addresses that.

“The merger of Wool Impact and Campaign for Wool NZ creates one dedicated and transparent organisation, supported by growers, industry and government, to build on that foundation”, Mr McIsaac said.

The programmes and activities of Wool Impact and Campaign for Wool NZ will be brought together and continue under the new organisation.

Campaign for Wool NZ chair Ryan Cosgrove said the merger secures their work.

“It’s exciting to reach this milestone.

“We are confident that combining the work and capability of the two organisations will create the focus and efficiencies needed to modernise the wool sector.”

Wool Impact chair Stuart Heal said the merge makes sense.

“Wool needs more coordinated effort to create demand and value across sector good and commercial entities and this supports that.”

Mr McIsaac said the New Zealand Wool Collective will need additional funding to do this work well.

“Work with Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand and B+LNZ to secure the long term financial backing needed to realise value for growers, industry participants and the wider wool sector will continue.

“A funding model is being developed in consultation with growers and industry,” he said.

“This is work no individual company can do on its own.

“It will strengthen the platform that brands, manufacturers, brokers, exporters and other industry participants build on, not replace the commercial work they already do.”